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Shoulder

AC Joint Osteoarthritis Non-Surgical Treatment

Can AC joint osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?

In most cases, conservative treatment can be considered by patients suffering from AC joint osteoarthritis. Conservative treatment for AC joint osteoarthritis can be a potentially successful option for patients who do not intend to return to jobs, sports, or activities that include a lot of repetitive overhead or crossbody motion.

For patients who are candidates for conservative treatment, the focus of care will be on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, while also improving overall stability and function of the shoulder. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. With conservative treatments, some individuals may start feeling better within a few weeks, while others may take several months.

Initially following the injury or flare-up of pain, it’s essential to rest the shoulder and avoid activities that worsen the pain.

Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs and compression to the shoulder can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.

A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving overall joint function. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.

The goal of an intra-articular injection or an injection directly to the AC joint is to manage pain and inflammation of the shoulder. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following an injury. However, it’s crucial to understand receiving an intra-articular injection to the shoulder will delay any surgical intervention for at least 3 months following the administration of the injection.

Mild to moderate AC joint osteoarthritis can often be managed with non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications. Dr. Jorge Chahla develops personalized treatment plans to help patients relieve pain and improve function without surgery. If you are seeking non-surgical options for AC joint osteoarthritis, contact Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook for a consultation.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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